Q:My elderly cat is skin and bones, but still very affectionate and seems quite content. Until a few weeks ago, she was eating a half can of Friskies per day, plus a bit of kibble. Now, not much interests her, even packaged kitty treats. She's pitiful to look at. I've noticed she drinks a lot. How can I get her to eat?

A: In general, older cats that are thin, lack appetite and drink a lot of water are usually sick. Lack of appetite or no appetite is a serious problem that needs to be addressed promptly.

There are many diseases that cause increased thirst, weight loss and decreased appetite. Many of these conditions are metabolic, such as diabetes mellitus (leading to high blood sugar), hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone leading to weight loss and other complications) and kidney failure. Certain infections can also cause these signs and are more likely if your cat goes outside and hunts. Finally, diseases such as cancer and liver failure can cause similar clinical signs. Some of these conditions can be rapid in onset and life threatening.

The most important step you can take to help your cat is to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. There is often much that can be done to support and sometimes cure medical ailments of older cats through the use of medication, nutrition and supportive therapies. Your veterinarian will certainly discuss the specific treatment options with you and may offer appetite stimulants and vitamins to help increase the appetite in the short term.